🌴 Exploring Kuala Lumpur with Kids!
The Highs, Lows & World-schooling Fun 🇲🇾
Family Travel Blog – Smiths On Tour
If you're a full-time travelling family like us or even just planning a holiday, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia might be on your radar — and for good reason! From epic skyscrapers to lush green escapes and hands-on learning for the kids, KL is packed with family-friendly adventures.
We (Emma, Joe & Tilly – our 12-year-old explorer) arrived in Kuala Lumpur during our world travel journey in August 2025, and let’s just say... our visit started off a little rough. But in true Smiths On Tour style, we shook it off, grabbed the backpacks, and headed out to explore what this buzzing city had to offer travelling families like ours.
✨ The Realities of City Travel with Kids
Kuala Lumpur hit us hard at first — a mix of culture shock, a bit of travel burnout, and a few scam moments (it happens!). But instead of letting it ruin our experience, we decided to look beyond the chaos. We knew KL had green spaces, cool educational attractions, and unique cultural sites — so off we went.
🌿 Eco Park Fail... and a Lesson in Flexibility
Our first attempt to reconnect with nature led us to the KL Forest Eco Park, a beautiful bit of greenery right in the heart of the city. Sadly... it was closed the day we went (top tip: always check opening days before setting off!).
It's located just beneath the famous KL Tower — a massive skyscraper with a rotating restaurant at the top. A fab way to see the city skyline — although I wasn’t feeling brave enough that day. Next time!
🐠 Aquaria KLCC – A Must-Do for Marine-Mad Kids
Since Tilly loves marine life, we headed to Aquaria KLCC, right in the city centre, and it didn’t disappoint. This place is a must-do in Kuala Lumpur with kids.
🎟️ Entry Prices (as of August 2025):
Adults: RM 69 (~£11.50)
Child (3–12 years): RM 59 (~£9.80)
Under 3s: Free
🕗 Open daily from 10am – 8pm (last entry at 7pm)
We visited at 5pm, hoping to beat the crowds... but it was still super busy (especially in the summer holidays). That said, we had a blast! The underwater tunnel with a moving floor was the highlight — watching sharks and stingrays glide overhead was like stepping into another world.
🌟 Top Tip: Try visiting early in the morning or later in the evening for fewer crowds — but expect it to be busy in peak months regardless.
🏙️ Petronas Twin Towers – KL at Night is Pure Magic
After the aquarium, we explored the Suria KLCC mall inside the Petronas Twin Towers. Honestly, these towers are breathtaking — especially at night when they're all lit up! ✨
🕯️ Don’t miss the Lake Symphony Light & Music Show outside the towers:
Times: 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm (daily)
Location: KLCC Park fountain area
Cost: Free
It was a huge hit with all of us — music, water, lights… and the skyline behind it? It felt like being in a sparkly movie scene. There are plenty of places to eat nearby, and a great play park just behind the towers too. KL’s malls are everywhere — if shopping is your thing, you’ll be in heaven.
🌟 City Tip: KL comes alive at night. If you're not a city lover like us, the cooler temps and dazzling skyline may just win you over.
🙈 We Missed the Open Top Bus… But You Shouldn’t
If we’d had a little more time (and a little less stress), we’d have hopped on the KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. It’s cheap, flexible, and stops at all the major attractions — perfect for tired little legs. Keep this one in your back pocket!
🐒 Batu Caves – Culture, Colour, and a Bit of Climbing
The next day, we headed out to the incredible Batu Caves, about 30 minutes from the city. This place is perfect for worldschooling families – mixing culture, religion, history, geography, and even wildlife!
💡 Fun Facts for Kids & Worldschooling Notes:
Home to one of the largest Hindu shrines outside India
The giant golden statue at the entrance is Lord Murugan, standing at 42.7 metres tall!
The 272 rainbow-coloured steps make for a great mini workout (and awesome photos)
Entrance is FREE
There are monkeys everywhere – and yes, you can feed them (carefully!)
The limestone cliffs and caves had us all amazed — especially me. I’m a mountain and nature lover, and being out of the city was exactly what I needed to reset.
🎢 Skyline Luge KL – Facing Fears & Racing Laughs
To wrap up our time in Kuala Lumpur, we decided to end on a high (literally!). We visited the brand-new Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur.
You start with a cable car ride (terrifying for me — I'm scared of heights 😬), then race down winding tracks on gravity-powered luges. We did it three times, laughing until our faces hurt. It was a brilliant bonding moment — especially after the chaotic city start.
Joe? Totally unfazed. Heights? No problem. He was in his element!
⚡ One Last Surprise – The Thunderstorm Finale
On our last evening, Kuala Lumpur gave us a massive thunderstorm, and honestly — it was magical. We watched the sky light up from our window, and it felt like the city was putting on one final show just for us.
🧳 Other Family-Friendly Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur (We Didn't Get To):
If you’ve got more time in KL, these are some great spots to add to your itinerary:
🗼 KL Tower Observation Deck – Panoramic views of the city from above
🎢 Berjaya Times Square Theme Park – Home to an indoor rollercoaster right inside a mall
🐦 KL Bird Park – The world’s largest free-flight walk-in aviary, perfect for animal-loving kids
🕌 Masjid Negara (National Mosque of Malaysia) – A beautiful and peaceful spot to introduce kids to Islam, learn about Malaysian culture, and explore religion through worldschooling. It’s open to non-Muslim visitors outside of prayer times and robes are provided at the entrance.
🎨 Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia – A fantastic hands-on way to explore history, art, and religion with children. Very visual, very educational.
🛕 Thean Hou Temple – One of KL’s oldest and most ornate temples, showcasing Chinese Buddhist architecture and great for exploring multi-faith culture in Malaysia
Our view from our last accommodation… amazing!
🔥 Top Tips for Visiting Kuala Lumpur with Kids
🌡️ 1. Prepare for the Heat – It’s HOT and humid, especially in the city centre. Bring hats, sunscreen, water bottles, and take AC breaks in malls or museums.
🚌 2. Use Grab App – Safer and cheaper than taxis
👟 3. Wear Comfy Shoes – You’ll walk more than you think
🕐 4. Plan for Early Mornings or Evenings – The heat and crowds in the afternoon can be overwhelming
💸 5. Have Small Cash Handy – Some places don’t take cards
🎒 6. Don’t Overpack Your Day – The heat slows everything down — plan for fewer activities and longer breaks
🌈 Final Thoughts: Kuala Lumpur With Kids
Kuala Lumpur wasn’t all smooth sailing — but we’re so glad we pushed through. It’s a city of contrasts: modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, chaotic traffic, peaceful parks, rich culture, and loads of fun for curious kids.
If you're a travelling family or exploring world-schooling in Malaysia, KL is a great place to dip your toes in (recommend a couple of days, max). There's learning around every corner, from marine biology to religion, urban geography to natural wonders.
Sometimes travel isn’t perfect. But if there’s one thing this journey keeps teaching us — it’s that the best memories often come right after the hardest days.
💛
– Emma, Joe & Tilly
Smiths On Tour
One family. No fixed address. Living the dream – one country at a time.
